Holland America Line Cruises

8,737 Reviews
Koningsdam

About Holland America Line Cruises

Caters to the 50+ set who enjoy fine dining, live music and a more subdued vibe -- no whiz-bang attractions here, though partnerships with Lincoln Center and Billboard raise the bar on entertainment; sails globally with ships ranging in size from 835 to 2,650 passengers.

  • More about Holland America Line

  • Who goes on Holland America Line cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Holland America Line cruise?

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Volendam
Volendam

15 Night
Panama Canal

591 Reviews
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Volendam
Volendam

13 Night
The Atlantic Coast

591 Reviews
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Koningsdam
Koningsdam docked alonside in San Diego. (Photo: Holland America Line)

4 Night
Pacific Northwest Cruise

866 Reviews
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Westerdam
Westerdam

14 Night
Australia & New Zealand

1,113 Reviews
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27 Night
Jewels Of The Baltic North Cape & The Midnight Su...

268 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Inside Passage

558 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Inside Passage

558 Reviews
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17 Night
Circle Hawaii

866 Reviews
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4 Night
Pacific Northwest Cruise

558 Reviews
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21 Night
Panama Canal

1,201 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Inside Passage

964 Reviews
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16 Night
North Pacific Crossing

1,113 Reviews
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14 Night
North Cape & The Midnight Sun

268 Reviews
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13 Night
North Pacific Crossing

829 Reviews
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5 Night
Tropical Caribbean

1,201 Reviews
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Holland America Line Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Holland America Line cruise ships?

Holland America Line cruisers usually run 50 or older and are evenly split between being retired and employed -- the longer the cruise, the older the demographic and the more retired passengers there are. HAL passengers prioritize travel, and most are experienced cruisers. They tend to be foodies and music-lovers (two things for which HAL prides itself), and most are from the U.S. and Canada, though about 20 percent of the passengers are international, with the U.K. and Australia at the top of the list.

During the summer and holiday periods, the average age onboard comes down as families, particularly multigenerational groups that include the grandparents and grandkids, take to the ships. This is particularly true of the line's Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries.

Do I have to dress up on a Holland America Line cruise?

Not during the day, but most Holland America Line evenings are designated as smart-casual, so swimsuits, flip-flops, shorts and tank tops are not permitted in any of the restaurants. The line does have more formal evenings (how many depends on how long a sailing you're on) called Gala Nights calling for gala attire. Men usually show up in suits and ties (or jackets and no ties, especially in the Caribbean); women usually opt for cocktail dresses or gowns, or dress slacks with fancy blouses.

Is everything free on Holland America Line cruises?

No. Your cruise fare includes meals in the main dining room, Lido buffet restaurant, the outdoor Terrace Grill and 24-hour room service (except for some for-charge items); the extensive youth program, Club HAL, is complimentary until 10 p.m. every day. Additionally, access to the fitness center, and most culinary lessons and enrichment lectures, movies, performances and live music are complimentary.

What will cost you extra is all drinks beyond water, tea, basic coffee and some juices; all specialty restaurants; most fitness classes; spa and salon services; shore excursions; gratuities; laundry and purchases from any of the onboard shops.

Passengers cruising in suites get a host of extra privileges and might find that some of the extra-fee options are provided complimentarily.

What are Holland America Line’s most popular activities?

Passengers onboard Holland America Line's ships love the line's dedication to traditional cruise activities, including afternoon tea and ballroom dancing, but they also flock to the line's newer options. In particular, the line's live music offerings, including BB King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Lincoln Center Stage, draw a crowd most nights, while the line's culinary demonstrations are usually standing room only. Culinary classes (including some specifically for kids), wine tastings and blendings (on select ships only), and complimentary computer classes fill quickly.

Just as popular for many Holland America Line passengers is relaxing in the line's top-deck Crow's Nest. You'll often find people up there reading a book, putting together a jigsaw puzzle or playing cards or board games.

Why go with Holland America Line?

  • Traditional cruising experience with modern touches
  • Impressive, immersive itinerary options, particularly in Alaska
  • Extensive dining options and enrichment programs

Best for: Laid-back but curious travelers who explore by day and relish culinary experiences and live music by night

Not for: Thrill-seekers who crave a variety of onboard attractions and endless nightlife

Holland America Line Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Never Again!

Let me first start off with the good: The crew was very nice on the ship (except the guest services).On day 6 we had an incident that caused the ship to depart late from the Bahamas, which in turn caused me to miss my flight and of course I could not schedule another one, because it was Spring Break.Read More
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DruAR

couple2-5 Cruises

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Age 49s

Blah trip. Decline in service, food, value.

Upon initial boarding, there was no assistance from the ship's staff as to locating our stateroom or finding out how to obtain our shipboard passes, which were located in a slot outside our door available for anyone to swipe and duplicate.Wait staff took orders, delivered food and disappeared; no checking back to determine satisfaction or additional needs.Read More
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idyltimelg

many10+ Cruises

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Age 78s

Expected more - Got a whole lot less.

Excellent modern facilities for entertainment but lacklustre to say the least.Entertainment?Read More
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briansnel

many10+ Cruises

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Age 56s

Not the Cruise line it used to be

We cruise a lot and travelled on the Holland America line before covid and it was fine.A lot of this is due to the clientele (which has also gone down-hill) but no-one dressed up, hoards would descend and load their plates as if it were their last meal and we never sighted the Captain or had a special dinner similar to other cruises we've been on.Read More
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Danell64

many10+ Cruises

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Age 82s

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